PM Modi to visit Bihar on November 21 as NDA government completes one year in the State
Five-day winter session of the Assembly begins on Nov. 30, second supplementary Budget to be presented
Bihar: NDA prepares grand welcome for PM Modis Nov 21 visit
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Preparations have intensified across Bihar for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to the state on November 21, with the ruling NDA alliance aiming to make the programme a major political and development event. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally in the Jafarpatti industrial area of Vaishali district. Administrative preparations are also underway for the inauguration and foundation-stone laying of projects linked to the Vaishali industrial corridor. The visit assumes significance as the NDA government in Bihar is set to complete one year in office on November 20. The alliance plans to showcase its achievements over the past year and outline its development agenda during the Prime Minister's programme. For Bihar, the visit has raised expectations of fresh announcements relating to industrial investment, infrastructure, employment generation and central assistance. The state has long faced challenges relating to limited revenue resources, industrial growth and job creation, making major development projects a key priority for the government. Among the projects expected to feature during the visit is a six-lane bridge over the Ganga in the Raghopur area. Projects associated with the proposed industrial corridor, spread across approximately 1,650 acres in Vaishali, are also being prepared for inauguration or foundation-stone laying. Other projects being discussed in the context of Bihar's development include the Patna-Purnea Expressway, a proposed Central University in Bhagalpur and a greenfield airport at Sultanganj. However, the final list of projects and announcements for the Prime Minister's visit is awaited. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha said all NDA constituents had begun preparations to ensure a grand welcome for PM Modi. Whenever the Prime Minister visits Bihar, he brings various gifts in the form of development initiatives for the state. We have high expectations of him this time as well. We want to make his visit historic, with public participation breaking previous records, Kushwaha said. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi said the visit would mark the completion of one year of the NDA government in Bihar. All constituent parties are united in preparing for the Prime Minister's visit. He has special affection for Bihar and has consistently supported the state's development. We expect a major announcement for Bihar on November 21, Saraogi said.
Bihar 'Bahubali' Preps For Daughter's Wedding. Guest List May Cross 4 Lakh
Shivangi Singh, Anant Singh's daughter, will marry Rishikesh Kumar on November 25 at their ancestral home in Ladma. Preparations for the wedding are being made on a war footing.
Wife, Indian Man Held For Husband's Murder In Nepal
A Nepali woman and her Indian accomplice have been arrested in Nepal's Morang district for allegedly killing her husband with an iron rod. The victim, Budha Ram Soren, was killed on Sunday by his wife, Kamala Baske, and Sunil Mishra, a resident of Bihar.
School Holiday Schedule for November 2026: Key Dates and Updates
November 2026 brings significant school holidays across India, with various states observing closures for festivals like Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. This article outlines the holiday schedules in states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, highlighting when schools will reopen and the differences in holiday durations. Parents and students can find essential information on upcoming holidays and school schedules to plan accordingly.
Three Rajasthan residents among dead in bus accident on Lucknow-Agra Expressway (Ld)
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 9 (IANS) Three Rajasthan residents were killed, and more than 40 others were injured after a luxury bus carrying passengers from Bhiwadi to Bihar overturned and plunged into a 40-foot-deep ditch on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, officials said. The bus was ferrying passengers heading home for the Chhath festival when the accident occurred near Zero Point, under the Para police station area. According to the fire department, the Bihar-registered bus was travelling from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan to Chhapra in Bihar, carrying passengers returning home for the Chhath festival. The accident occurred near Zero Point, under the jurisdiction of the Para police station, around 30 km from the district headquarters. More than 50 police personnel, two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire department personnel participated in the rescue operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre burst may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to police, around 50-55 passengers were travelling on the bus. More than 40 sustained injuries, several of them serious. Two of the three deceased have been identified as Shankar Rajjak (63) and Shamli Rai (43), both residents of Chhapra, Bihar. The third victim, a male passenger, is yet to be identified. Some passengers have alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Pankaj Sharma, one of the passengers, claimed that the driver was intoxicated and that the bus overturned less than 10 minutes after the journey began. Another injured passenger, Vikas Kumar, who was admitted to Lokbandhu Hospital, also alleged that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He said he and his parents were injured when the bus plunged into the ditch. However, these allegations are yet to be independently verified. Passenger Jitendra Yadav said that there were two drivers on the bus. The driver who had been driving through the night reportedly went to sleep around 7 a.m., after which the second driver, who had been resting, took charge of the vehicle. According to Yadav, the accident occurred less than 10 minutes after the change of drivers. Dr Amitabh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Lokbandhu Hospital, said the hospital received information about the accident at around 7 a.m. A total of 32 passengers were brought to the hospital, of whom two were declared dead on arrival. Five patients with serious head or spinal injuries were referred to King George's Medical University (KGMU) for further treatment. The remaining injured patients are being treated at Lokbandhu Hospital, where 25 patients were reported to be admitted. Dr Srivastava is personally monitoring the treatment and condition of the injured. According to the available vehicle records, the bus's fitness certificate was valid until August 5, 2027, while its insurance was valid until July 31, 2027. The pollution certificate was valid until August 6, 2027, and the vehicle permit until December 2, 2030. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, and further investigation is underway.
Tejashwi Yadav targets Bihar govt over rising crime; calls for politics focused on jobs
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) RJD National Working President and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Monday targeted the state government over the law and order situation, alleging that incidents of gunfire, robbery and crimes against women and girls had become commonplace. Speaking to party leaders and workers at the RJD office in Patna on his 37th birthday, Tejashwi alleged that crime was continuing unabated in Bihar while the government remained silent. He said he wanted to see a Bihar free from corruption, crime, robbery and exploitation, and called for politics focused on employment and public welfare rather than hatred. Tejashwi urged RJD leaders and workers to carry forward the ideals of party founder Lalu Prasad Yadav with renewed determination. He asked them to reject divisive politics and take the party's message to every village and household. He also appealed to people to maintain a positive outlook and participate in future struggles and movements, expressing confidence that public support and affection would strengthen the party's political efforts in Bihar. The RJD leader thanked party leaders, workers and journalists who attended the birthday celebration. He said the affection shown by people reflected their trust and encouraged the party to continue working towards its political objectives. The celebration was marked by the cutting of a 37-pound cake in the presence of senior party leaders and workers. Slogans wishing Tejashwi a long life and birthday greetings were raised as he cut the cake. Sweets and pieces of cake were subsequently distributed among those present. The programme was organised under the chairmanship of RJD state president Mangni Lal Mandal. State vice-president Dr Tanveer Hassan and party spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed conducted the proceedings. Mandal felicitated Tejashwi by presenting him with a shawl and a bouquet. He said the enthusiasm surrounding the birthday celebration reflected the trust and affection people had for the RJD leader. He also said such gatherings could promote social harmony and give a new direction to Bihar's politics. The event witnessed the participation of party leaders and workers, who extended their birthday wishes to Tejashwi.
Bengal: Mother refuses to attend last rites of son killed in Raiganj encounter
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) The mother of Dilip Roy, the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district, who was shot dead in a police encounter in Raiganj, on Monday stated that she would not attend her son's final rites. Speaking to media persons, Chania Roy expressed deep shame over her son's actions, stating, It is better not to have such a sinful son; I will not even go to the crematorium. She added, He has done such a thing; he is no longer in a position to show his face in the village. He is gone. It is good. That's what I want. Describing him as her only son, Chania Roy said he had left home at a very young age and maintained little contact with his family, offering no support to his ageing father. She noted that the grief of losing a child was completely overshadowed by the heinous nature of the crime. Residents revealed that allegations against Dilip were not unprecedented. Sixteen years ago, he was accused of physically abusing the six-year-old daughter of a relative, which caused widespread outrage in the village. At that time, neighbours attacked his home and assaulted him, following which Dilip sold one katha of his mother's land to pay compensation to the victim's family. A resident remarked that such severe crimes cannot be forgiven and that justice had been served. Dilip Roy was killed during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday after police launched a raid near Gauri Gram Panchayat around 3 a.m., following a tip-off that he was attempting to flee across the nearby Bihar border. According to law enforcement officials, officers moved to arrest Roy after tracking his whereabouts, but the accused opened fire on the raiding team. Police retaliated in self-defence, inflicting fatal injuries. Roy was transported to Raiganj Medical College & Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, with an autopsy scheduled for later in the day. The encounter follows the recovery of the victim's semi-decomposed body on November 6 from the nearby Kulik forest, two days after the 12-year-old went missing on November 3 after leaving her home on a bicycle. This incident marks the fourth fatal police encounter in West Bengal since July this year, three of which involve cases related to the rape and murder of minors.
Three killed as two motorcycles collide in Bihar's Siwan on Diwali night
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Three young men were killed and two others injured after two motorcycles collided head-on near Jhulapur village in Bihar's Siwan district on Diwali night, police said. The accident occurred late Sunday evening under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil police station. Two of the victims died on the spot, while the third succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Siwan Sadar Hospital. The deceased have been identified as Mukesh Mahto and Golu Kumar, both residents of Rasulpur village in Siwan, and Sanish Kumar, a resident of Sanah Mathiya village under the Manjhagarh police station area of neighbouring Gopalganj district. According to preliminary information, Mukesh and Golu were returning to their village from Siwan with their friend Abhishek when their motorcycle collided with another bike coming from the opposite direction. The second motorcycle was reportedly carrying Sanish and another person. The impact was so severe that two young men died at the scene. Three others, including Golu, were rushed to Sadar Hospital. However, Golu later succumbed to his injuries. The remaining injured are undergoing treatment. The accident has devastated Sanish's family, which was preparing for two major family occasions. His 'tilak' ceremony was scheduled for November 19, while his sister's wedding is planned for November 21. Preparations for the wedding were underway when the family received news of his death. Meanwhile, relatives of the victims have raised questions over the emergency medical facilities at Siwan Sadar Hospital. They alleged that an ambulance was not provided promptly, even after a referral was issued for better medical treatment. According to the family members, they repeatedly tried to contact the 102 ambulance service, but their calls did not go through. They claimed that an ambulance eventually reached the hospital premises, but Golu had already died by then. There was no official response from the hospital administration regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report. Police have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the collision. Further details are awaited.
Two brothers killed, six injured as SUV reverses into crowd after temple music row
Buxar officials celebrate Diwali in Mahadalit Basti
Man found murdered, body dumped in Buxar bushes
War on drugs: Agencies widen offensive, use technology to wipe out cannabis, opium cultivation
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) There are multiple agencies which are burning the midnight oil to put an end to the drug menace across India. Operations led by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the state police have been busting several narcotics modules in a bid to make India free of drugs by 2029, a vision of the Narendra Modi-led government. An official said that the modus operandi of the agencies has shifted from mere arrests and seizures, and there is an equal emphasis on destroying sites that cultivate illicit cannabis and opium. The NCB has been utilising satellite mapping systems, which have helped the agency in pinpointing high-altitude farms producing these narcotics. Following the go-ahead by the Union Home Ministry, the NCB began using satellite mapping to identify such fields as traffickers would attempt to hide these fields deep inside the mountains so that they could avoid tracking. The use of specialised imaging sensors helps in pinpointing these fields from space, the official said. On November 7, the NCB along with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Arunachal Pradesh Police wiped out 458 acres of illicit cannabis cultivation. This follows the first phase of the programme that was held in October, during which 1.37 lakh kilograms of cannabis plants grown mainly on community lands were destroyed. Data would show that with this latest action, the total area of cannabis destroyed across Arunachal Pradesh in 2026 has surged to more than eight times when compared to 2025. Another official said that during various high-level meetings held between the agencies and top officials of the Home Ministry, it was decided to prepare the Vision Document (2026-2029). This mandates identifying cultivation hotspots and carrying out synchronised crop destruction operations. Similar operations have been carried out in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and other states in recent months. In Himachal Pradesh, the tracking has focused on rugged and hard-to-reach valleys. Coordinated efforts have led to the clearance of 592 acres of concealed illicit cannabis setups. In Odisha, under the states Mission Zero Cannabis Cultivation framework, 30 acres of operational fields that were hidden deep in the Kandhamal district were destroyed by the agencies. Similar operations have been carried out in Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bihar. An Intelligence Bureau official said that these operations follow in the footsteps of what the agencies are doing when it comes to the narcotic cartels. While nabbing big and small players alike, the agencies are focusing on wiping out the supply chain. Seizures and arrests are very much necessary, but not enough in the long run. The agencies have realised that recruiting new operatives is no big deal for the narcotic cartels. With new recruits, the drug trade goes on unabated without bottlenecks. Similar is the case when it comes to seizures. Cartels are able to produce in large numbers and make up for the seizures. However, halting the supply chains, blocking routes, and destroying fields that cultivate drugs goes a long way in battling the menace. The single bust driven by satellite tracking in Arunachal Pradesh wiped out 458 acres of high-yielding cannabis plants. This has translated into a direct loss of 137,000 kilograms of produce before it could come into the market. The multiple agencies working to shut down the narcotics market have a huge task on hand. Cartels will look to innovate, and the trick would be to get the better of them and achieve a drug-free India by 2029, an official said.
PMC plans mobile courts to crack down on littering in city
Delhi-Varanasi-Guwahati: India's North Bullet Train Corridor Plan | Route, Stops & Travel Time
Indias proposed North Bullet Train Corridor is set to connect Delhi with major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, extending up to Guwahati. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared indicative travel times, including 59 minutes between Delhi and Agra, 3 hours and 33 minutes between Delhi and Varanasi, and around six hours between Delhi and Siliguri. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Delhi-Guwahati journey could take less than eight hours. The proposed route also includes the strategically important Chicken Neck corridor. However, the project remains at the planning stage, with its final alignment, stations, construction schedule and detailed project report yet to be finalised.
Disbelief in Bihar family of youth arrested in attack on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff
With the arrest of Hritik Kumar along with two others in firing incident at Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, its the death of a dream as well for the family
A man accused of raping and murdering his 12-year-old niece in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was killed in an exchange of fire with police early on Monday (November 9). The accused, identified as Dilip Roy, allegedly opened fire at a police team during a raid near the Bengal-Bihar border, prompting personnel to retaliate in self-defence.
Dimagi naxals trying to stall nation's progress through instability, anarchy: Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan launched a veiled attack on the opposition during a recent press interaction. He emphasised the need to reject individuals he termed as 'dimagi naxals' attempting to disrupt national progress. Pradhan supported PM Modi's comments made during his address to paramilitary personnel in Chhattisgarh. He also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of the PM to Vaishali will enhance growth in Bihar.
Bihar Vidhan Sabha Recruitment 2026
Bihar Vidhan Sabha Sachivalaya has invited online applications for 54 vacancies, including Assistant Section Officer and Assistant Caretaker posts. Applications can be submitted at vidhansabha.bihar.gov.in from 07 November 2026 to 27 November 2026.
Khajuria To Lead Jammu And Kashmir In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Umran, Brijesh Included
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Opener Shubham Khajuria has been named the captain of Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with pacer Brijesh Sharma and speedster Umran Malik finding spots in the 15-member squad. All of J&K's matches will be played in Indore, where the tournaments league stage runs from November 14 to 26. Brijesh played for J&K age-group teams before relocating to Delhi to train under coach Deepak Punia, a former pacer who played in the Ranji Trophy. He earned his IPL 2026 contract with Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the back of a strong showing in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he took 11 wickets in seven games for Smashers Malda. In IPL 2026, Brijesh picked 14 wickets in 13 games in his debut season for Rajasthan Royals (RR), who got him for a base price of Rs 30 lakh. In August this year, Brijesh was named in J&Ks list of players who played practice games against Uttarakhand from August 10-17 in Srinagar. The selectors have also picked two specialist wicketkeepers in Dikshant Kundal and Rydham Sharma. The remaining members of the squad include Abdul Samad, Qamran Iqbal, Yawer Hassan, Kawalpreet Singh, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. Drawn in Elite Group B, J&K will begin their campaign against Delhi on November 14. It is followed by them taking on Tamil Nadu on November 16. J&K will then take on Saurashtra (November 18), Bihar (November 20), Punjab (November 22), Railways (November 24) and Haryana (November 26). With former champions Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab in their group, Khajuria and his side will need to be at their best from the opening game to stay in the hunt for a knockouts spot. Drawn in Elite Group B, J&K will begin their campaign against Delhi on November 14. It is followed by them taking on Tamil Nadu on November 16. J&K will then take on Saurashtra (November 18), Bihar (November 20), Punjab (November 22), Railways (November 24) and Haryana (November 26). Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bus Travelling To Bihar Overturns On Lucknow-Agra Expressway Killing 3 And Injuring 45
A bus carrying around 50 passengers overturned near Zero Point, killing three and injuring around 45, while rescue teams pulled 1516 passengers, including a child, to safety.
Our firm resolve to build Uttarakhand that fulfils dreams of those who fought for it: CM Dhami
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the statehood movement on the occasion of the state's 26th Foundation Day and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support and development initiatives in the state. The chief minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the Martyrs' Memorial located at the Shaheed Sthal, Court Campus premises in Dehradun. Dhami also remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during whose tenure Uttarakhand was formed, and reiterated the state's commitment to fulfilling his vision that the third decade of the 21st century would belong to Uttarakhand. Speaking to reporters at Police Lines in Dehradun, the Chief Minister paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the statehood movement and extended his greetings to the people on the occasion. CM Dhami says, On the occasion of our State Foundation Day, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all our martyrs and the acti...
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday slammed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Diwali an Eid of happiness. He accused the Congress of appeasing a minority community and termed Kharge a mouthpiece of the Gandhi family. Look, this isn't just a thing. Kharge is a mouthpiece of Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family. He speaks what the input in the machine is. You're playing the game of appeasement in this country... Nehru divided the country, and you've been practising appeasement politics ever since. You try to divide Hindus and appease Muslims. Your tongue, Rahul Gandhi's tongue, will never open on Irfan Ansari. Four lines on Hindu festivals, no good words, Singh told ANI. Kharge's remarks sparked a political row, with the BJP terming it Congress' attempt to appease a vote bank ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi termed it a conspiracy at the behest of the Gandhi family. The Congress party has become so blind that it is seek...
Kharge's Diwali greeting sparks row; Sanjay Saraogi accuses Congress of appeasement politics
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) BJP Bihar President, Sanjay Saraogi, on Monday criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his Diwali greetings, accusing the Congress of promoting appeasement politics and hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. Speaking to IANS, Saraogi said, Blinded by the lure of vote-bank politics, the Congress has reached a point where it seeks to push its ugly appeasement politics even during this Sanatan festival, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The poison of hatred towards Hindus running through the veins of the Congress party is now openly reflected in the words of its leaders. He further alleged that Kharge had insulted the faith of 110 crore Hindus by describing Diwali as the Eid of happiness. By making such a statement about our auspicious festival, Diwali, Kharge is hurting the faith of 110 crore Hindus. This is a very low-level conspiracy by the Congress. The people of India will not tolerate this at any cost. Insulting Sanatan Dharma and our culture is not right, especially by connecting Diwali with Eid. If they have enough courage, they should connect Eid with Diwali as well. The people of this country will not tolerate this politics of appeasement, he told IANS. Kharge's remarks on the occasion of Diwali have triggered a political controversy, with the BJP questioning his choice of words. While extending Diwali greetings to the people, the Congress President described the festival as the Eid of happiness, saying it was a celebration of joy that brought people together and provided an opportunity to meet family members and loved ones. Kharge said Diwali was one of India's major festivals and was celebrated collectively by people. Describing it as a symbol of happiness, harmony and mutual goodwill, he said, Diwali is the Eid of happiness, an Eid that lasts for many days. In his message, Kharge also emphasised the need to maintain peace, remove mutual misunderstandings and strengthen national unity. He said festivals provided an opportunity to bring people closer and promote social harmony and brotherhood. However, his remarks drew criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics and turning a festive greeting into a political controversy.
Bus Carrying 50-60 Passengers Overturns On Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Rescue Operation Underway
Several passengers were injured after a bus carrying around 50 to 60 people overturned and plunged into a ditch along the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Lucknow on Monday morning. The bus was travelling from Rewari towards Chhapra in Bihar when the accident
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Nov 9 (IANS) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday extended heartfelt Foundation Day greetings to Uttarakhand's people and said the government is working to fulfil the dreams of the statehood movement activists and build a developed state for future generations. Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi (the land of gods), was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000, becoming the 27th state of India. The Foundation Day stands as a tribute to its journey from a people's movement to a model of balanced development, faith, and modernity. Taking to X, CM Dhami said, On the sacred occasion of Uttarakhand Statehood Day, I bow in deepest reverence to all the immortal statehood movement activists who sacrificed everything for the creation of the state, and extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state. The Chief Minister mentioned that it was through the visionary leadership, compassionate outlook and firm political will of the former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee that Uttarakhand became a separate state. Over the past 26 years, our state has charted a distinctive path of development amid numerous challenges and opportunities. Today, Uttarakhand is establishing its distinct identity at the national and international levels through its rich cultural heritage, spiritual consciousness, natural wealth and human potential, he said. CM Dhami further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is committed to taking the state's inherent capabilities to new heights by harmonising development with heritage. We are striving to ensure that the benefits of development reach even those at the farthest margins of society, that young people have greater opportunities, that women become self-reliant, that farmers prosper, and that new avenues for development and livelihoods are created in border areas, he said. Our resolve is not merely to expand basic amenities, but to build a Uttarakhand that is economically strong, socially inclusive, environmentally balanced and culturally rooted in its heritage, he said. I am fully confident that, through the collective strength, public participation and unwavering resolve of the people of the state, we will fulfil the dreams of the statehood movement activists and build a Viksit Uttarakhand for future generations, CM Dhami added.
J&K Draft Mountain Policy proposes new authority, law to act against violations
Srinagar, Nov 8:The draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 proposes a dedicated authority empowered to inspect construction sites, impose fines, seal structures, and order restoration of damaged areas, along with a separate law to regulate development in the Union Territory's ecologically fragile mountain regions. The draft policy, dated October 12, proposes the creation of a J&K Mountain Development Council, headed by the Chief Minister, and a Mountain Development Authority to oversee implementation, coordinate government departments and enforce mountain-specific regulations. Emphasising the need for statutory backing, the document states: A policy without legal teeth becomes a document on a shelf. It further declares: This Policy shall move to law within one year. The proposed J&K Sustainable Mountain Development Act is envisaged within 12 months of the policy's approval. It would provide the legal framework for the proposed Authority, mountain sensitivity zones, Mountain Green Cess, Mountain Impact and Risk Screen, a dedicated fund and penalties for violations. Under the proposed governance structure, the Mountain Development Council would provide policy direction and resolve inter-departmental differences, while the Mountain Development Authority would function as the executive arm, translating policy decisions into regulations, permits and monitoring mechanisms. The Authority would also be responsible for notifying mountain sensitivity zones, determining carrying-capacity limits and implementing the proposed Mountain Building Code. A key provision of the draft is the establishment of a dedicated enforcement wing within the proposed Authority. The document proposes that the wing be vested with powers to inspect, fine, seal and order restoration. It envisages graded penalties, with higher fines for repeat violations, while the cost of restoring environmentally damaged areas would be recovered from those responsible. The draft also proposes satellite and drone-based monitoring of construction, road cutting, muck dumping and encroachments in Zones A and B. A public complaint application has also been proposed to enable citizens to report violations through photographs, with time-bound action on complaints. Seeking accountability within the government machinery, the policy states that officials granting permissions in violation of its provisions should face disciplinary action. The proposed enforcement mechanism is intended to strengthen surveillance and action against unauthorised construction, indiscriminate road cutting, dumping of excavated material and encroachments in ecologically sensitive mountain areas. The draft seeks to bring different government departments under a common implementation framework while allowing them to retain their respective responsibilities. The Policy shall set the direction; the concerned Departments shall define the rules, standards, targets and pathways for delivery, in consultation with each other and the designated Mountain Knowledge Centres, the document states. It proposes that each department prepare detailed guidelines and action plans within six months of the policy's notification. These plans would identify the activities requiring regulation, implementation responsibilities, targets, timelines and monitoring mechanisms. The departmental plans would be reviewed by the proposed J&K Mountain Development Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Tourism Department has been assigned responsibilities relating to visitor limits, the proposed J&K Mountain Pass, cess collection and regulation of adventure tourism. The Housing and Urban Development Department would be responsible for the proposed Mountain Building Code, hill-town master plans and hotel audits. The Public Works Department would oversee mountain infrastructure standards, including muck disposal and drainage compliance, while the Jal Shakti Department would handle water-resource protection, preparation of a proposed Spring Atlas and sewage treatment. The draft also assigns responsibilities to the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Disaster Management Department, Transport Department, Rural Development Department and other agencies. The policy proposes a non-lapsable J&K Mountain Green Fund to finance conservation, ecological restoration and other activities under the proposed framework. The fund is envisaged to receive money through the proposed green cess, trekking and expedition fees, penalties, contributions from government departments and Shrine Boards, corporate social responsibility initiatives and climate-related funding. A key provision states that cess collected at a particular destination should be spent at that destination and cannot be diverted elsewhere. The document also proposes publication of site-wise accounts on a public dashboard and annual audits to ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds. The proposed Authority would place an annual report on the condition of J&K's mountains before the Legislative Assembly. The report would cover targets, regulatory compliance, cess collections and expenditure, and disaster-related outcomes. The draft proposes establishing a J&K Mountain Knowledge Centre at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir. The proposed centre would undertake carrying-capacity studies, prepare mountain sensitivity maps and monitor glaciers, springs, biodiversity and land-use changes. It is envisaged as a technical and scientific support institution for evidence-based policymaking and implementation of the proposed mountain regulations. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 has been prepared by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), New Delhi. Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is specifically named among the eight policy draft contributors listed in the document. The other contributors are Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Rajan K. Kotru, Councillor, IMI and Lead Strategist, Redefined Sustainable Thinking; Prof. Akhlaq A. Wani, Head, Department of Natural Resource Management; Associate Professor Nazir A. Pala, Head, Department of Silviculture and Agro-forestry; Dr. Khursheed A. Dar, Professor of Sericulture; Dr. Aasif A. Gatoo, Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resource Management; and Dr. Amir Farooq, Assistant Professor, Department of Wildlife Sciences. The document separately acknowledges the support and guidance of Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Government of J&K, and Babila Rakwal, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, for their support under the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress 2026. The draft was reviewed by institutions including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies, and SYSTEMIQ, London. The individual reviewers named in the document include Ashok Jain, former PCCF, Telangana; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, former PCCF, Madhya Pradesh; and Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General, Indian Institute of Sustainable Development.
PM Modi visits LK Advani as veteran leader enters 100th year
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid a visit to the residence of veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani to extend his warm birthday greetings. Advani, one of the foundational stalwarts of modern Indian politics and a recipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna, celebrated his 99th birthday, marking his official entry into his hundredth year. During the visit, PM Modi spent time with the veteran patriarch, extending his best wishes for good health and longevity. Sharing highlights from the interaction, the Prime Minister reflected on Advani's colossal contribution to nation-building, the strengthening of the party's grassroots structure, and his decade-spanning public service. On his official X account, PM Modi said, Today, November 8, is a landmark day. Respected L.K. Advani Ji enters his hundredth year. On this special occasion, my greetings to him. I've written an article in which I've highlighted his everlasting contribution to India. I have recalled his journey, be it experiencing the horrors of Partition and rebuilding life from scratch, strengthening the Jana Sangh and building the BJP, standing up for democracy during the Emergency, leading the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra or serving the nation in government. Have also written about other aspects of Advani Ji -- the voracious reader, his love for culture and cinema, a prolific writer and more. In a heartfelt tribute, Prime Minister Modi highlighted how Advani's life has touched several defining chapters of independent India. Tracing his journey from the tragic events of Partition in 1947 to his early days as an RSS Pracharak and later as a Parliamentarian, PM Modi praised Advani's resilience, ideological clarity, and commitment to the principle of Nation First. He noted that Advani's leadership helped transform the BJP into a major national political force and nurtured generations of party workers across the country. The Prime Minister also recalled iconic milestones in Advani's public career, including his legendary Somnath to Ayodhya Ram Rath Yatra, his firm stand during the Emergency, and his long-standing, collaborative partnership with former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. PM Modi remarked that the legendary pair set an exemplary precedent of leadership without rivalry, fundamentally altering the trajectory of Indian politics. The occasion drew widespread warm wishes from political leaders across party lines, Cabinet Ministers, and party workers nationwide. Special programs and gatherings were organised to celebrate the milestone of the senior statesman as he steps into his 100th year. Members of the political fraternity reiterated that LK Advani's legacy of discipline, selfless service, and intellectual rigor continues to serve as a guiding beacon for public figures across India.
Bihar Police Arrest Cyber Fraudsters With Pakistan Contacts
Two individuals were arrested in Bihar's East Champaran district for cyber fraud and alleged connections to Pakistani contacts, following a raid that uncovered suspicious mobile communications and financial transactions.
Bihar Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 Postponed To November 22; Admit Cards To Release on November 12
According to officials, the change has been introduced after November 11 was declared a public holiday on account of Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja.
FairPoint: A mother's defence cannot hide a son's electoral failures
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) It is not uncommon for a mother to defend her child, whatever the circumstances. It is a deeply ingrained human instinct. So, when Sonia Gandhi says Congress and other Opposition parties have not had a level playing field since 2014, it appears to be little more than a mother coming to her son's defence. She says the BJP has a complete stranglehold over all institutions, particularly the Election Commission. The veteran leader also claims that the mainstream media has been controlled, and that the ruling party is using money power and exploiting religion. No doubt, this is a mother's explanation for her son's inability to gain power despite having been in politics and 'working so hard' since 2004, when Rahul Gandhi took the political plunge. A mother's defence of her son is understandable and, in many ways, even praiseworthy. But the repeated electoral defeats since she and, subsequently, her son took charge of the Congress party raise a much bigger question. Sonia Gandhi became the party president in 1998, several years after the death of Rajiv Gandhi in a major terror attack in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Since then, Congress has seen a steady decline, except once, in 2009, when it went past 200 in the Lok Sabha on its own. No matter whom she blames for the losses, the truth about the grand old party today is that its decline has been gradual, with each successive election taking it further down the political ladder. Over the past three decades, the party has struggled to retain its position as the country's dominant political force. In 2004, Congress won 145 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with a vote share of 26.53 per cent (10,34,08,949 votes). The BJP won 138 seats. Congress, along with its allies, formed the government at the Centre under the UPA banner, with outside support from the Left Front, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Sonia Gandhi became UPA chairperson, while Manmohan Singh took over as Prime Minister. It was also in 2004 that Rahul Gandhi entered active politics by contesting and winning his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He did not hold any ministerial portfolio or formal Cabinet position, but his political standing within the party was already significant. In 2009, Congress won 206 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, gaining 61 seats over its 2004 tally. Its vote share rose to 28.55 per cent (11,91,11,019 votes). Sonia Gandhi continued as UPA chairperson, and Manmohan Singh remained Prime Minister in UPA-II. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, had become the General Secretary of the party in September 2007 and was given charge of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He was appointed Congress Vice-President on January 19, 2013, and, four years later, in December 2017, succeeded his mother as party president. The party lost power in 2014, and when the defeat was repeated in 2019, Rahul Gandhi resigned as Congress president, taking moral responsibility for the party's electoral performance. In a four-page open letter, he stressed that accountability was critical for the party's future and called upon the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to find his successor. Since Rahul began exercising considerable influence over the party's decision-making, particularly from 2009 onwards, Congress has reportedly lost 71 of the 83 Assembly elections it has contested. This is apart from its continued inability to return to power at the Centre. From being in power in 11 states in 2014, the party is now down to four. The success of any political leader is ultimately measured by electoral victories, and Rahul Gandhi's record falls woefully short. Considering his political lineage, his performance so far has been particularly disappointing. His great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress dominated the country's political landscape and ruled more than three-fourths of the states. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, won three Lok Sabha elections, two of them with huge majorities, and under her leadership, Congress ruled over more than two-thirds of the states. Even his mother, Sonia Gandhi, did a commendable job, achieving what had seemed almost impossible. Despite the party being out of power at the Centre from 1996 to 2004, she managed Congress's return in 2004. Rahul Gandhi may no longer be the president of his party, but he continues to remain its principal power centre and de facto chief. No major or minor decisions are taken without his involvement and approval. So, when the party continues to slump, he cannot escape responsibility. Yet, he has failed to find the right strategy or take the necessary steps to arrest the decline, let alone bring about a revival. He has consistently failed to present an alternative model of governance. Instead, his principal political ammunition has been to demean Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launch personal attacks, question Indian democracy on foreign shores, and even hold meetings and parleys with individuals known for their anti-India positions. There has been little in the way of a positive political narrative or a credible governance model that the electorate can look forward to. His politics has largely revolved around attacking the ruling dispensation rather than presenting what a Congress government would do differently. What he has found instead is the SIR and 'vote chori' narrative. He tried hard to make it a major electoral issue in Bihar and West Bengal, but the results did not go his way. Despite the lack of any widespread public acceptance of these allegations, Rahul continues to raise the issue of vote theft. And standing firmly behind him is his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who appears equally convinced that her son is losing elections because of electoral manipulation. The decline of Congress as the country's dominant political party is a fact. Blaming institutions, the media or the ruling party may provide temporary political comfort, but it cannot explain away repeated electoral failures. A political party cannot keep fighting elections on the premise that the system is against it. At some point, it has to look within and ask why voters are unwilling to give it another chance. There cannot be a bigger disappointment than watching a rocket firecracker fail to take off, only to fizzle out near the very glass bottle from which it was supposed to make a grand launch. The excitement disappears, the claps stop midway, and the expected spectacle never materialises. Yet, there are always voices urging another attempt, hoping that the next launch will finally succeed. But merely lighting another firecracker will not change the outcome. Sometimes the entire approach needs to change, and a fresh beginning is required to get the desired result. It is high time Sonia Gandhi understood this. A mother can certainly help her child find the right direction, but she cannot keep defending every failure. In a democracy, it is the people's mandate that decides who governs the country. No amount of street protests, allegations, or political rhetoric can substitute for that mandate. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Bihar STET 2026: Check The Revised Exam Date, Admit Card Details
The Bihar STET exam date has been revised, now the exam will be conducted on November 22, 2026 instead of November 11, 2026. As November 11 has been declared as the public holiday on the account of Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja.
Delhi Building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, rescue operation underway
The death toll in the three-storey building collapse in central Delhi's Hauz Qazi area rose to seven on Sunday after another body was recovered from the debris, with rescue operations underway for more than 70 hours, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Luchhuman Mukhiya, 66, a resident of Bihar's Darbhanga. His body was recovered during the ongoing search and rescue operation at the collapsed structure near Chawri Bazar. The mortal remains have been shifted to LNJP Hospital for further proceedings. With the latest recovery, seven bodies have been pulled out of the rubble so far. Rescue personnel are still searching the debris for any other possible victims. The building collapsed around 9.45 am on November 5, when construction work was underway. The rescue operation has been going on for over 70 hours since the incident. The deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu, Dinesh Sah and Luchhuman Mukhiya. Four of the
A bridge between past and present
A German publication ranked Bihar Museum among the best in the world.MayankKumarvisits to understand what went into the making of the museum and what visitors think of its contribution to the development of Indian civilization
Four young men on Saturday (November 7, 2026), from Bengaluru, travelled about 2,200 km riding on an old auto-rickshaw to reach Areraj town, in East Champaran
From UP to Bihar, experts dive into 750km survey to count Gangetic dolphins
Campus book clubs open new worlds for students in Patna
Digital burnout draws readers to book clubs in Patna
Bihar NDA partners BJP and JD(U) aim to show unity ahead of Modi's November rally in Vaishali
BJP and JD(U) are collaborating to showcase unity as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his upcoming rally. The rally, scheduled for November 21, will mark a year of NDA governance in Bihar. Tensions arose from the recent MLC elections with accusations regarding BJP's lack of support for JD(U) candidates. Despite internal criticisms, leaders are focusing on ensuring the success of Modi's event.
Over 9,000 Bihar police personnel get higher responsibilities
Early detection key to fighting cancer: Health minister
With no train tickets, Delhi trio takes autorickshaw to Madhubani
43 newly appointed council staff to undergo fresh tests on Nov 18
Land dispute triggers firing in Patna village, six injured; eight detained
Three drug peddlers held with heroin worth Rs 35 lakh, Rs 19.5 lakh cash seizure in Bihar's Kaimur
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) The Bihar Police on Saturday busted an alleged heroin trafficking network by an operation in Kaimur district, arresting three people, including a woman, and recovering 52.58 grams of heroin worth around Rs 35 lakh. The seizure was made during a raid at a house in the Babu Mohalla area under Kudra police station following a tip-off that heroin was being packaged into smaller quantities for distribution. Mohania Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gopal Krishna said the Kudra police received confidential information about the illegal activity and immediately formed a team to conduct a raid. The operation was carried out at the residence of local resident Kiran Devi in the presence of a Magistrate, who also serves as the Circle Officer. During the search, police recovered 52.58 grams of heroin and Rs 19,48,012 in cash, suspected to be linked to the illegal drug trade. Three people were arrested from the premises. They have been identified as Kiran Devi, a resident of Ward No. 11 in Kudra, and Mintu Singh and Rajesh Singh, both residents of Karampura Pipra village under Durgawati police station. According to police, three other suspects managed to escape after noticing the arrival of the police team. They have been identified as Gular Singh alias Anchal Singh, Shibu Singh and Jitendra Singh, all residents of the Kudra area. Police said Gular Singh has a criminal history and efforts are underway to trace and arrest all three absconding suspects. The recovery of a substantial amount of cash alongside the narcotics has raised questions about the scale of the alleged trafficking operation and its financial network. Investigators are now examining the source of the seized money, the supply chain of the heroin and the possible involvement of other people in the illegal trade. Mohania SDPO Gopal Krishna said further legal proceedings were underway in connection with the recovery and arrests. Police teams are also conducting raids at suspected locations to apprehend the remaining accused. The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the network, its links with other drug suppliers and the number of people involved in the alleged trafficking operation. The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts by Bihar Police to enforce prohibition laws and curb the illegal narcotics trade in the state.
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday participated in a grand Deepotsav in Kalyanpur, his home district of Munger, where 11,11,111 earthen lamps were illuminated along the banks of the Ganga a day before Diwali. The Chief Minister inaugurated the event by lighting the first lamp at the premises of the Maa Badi Durga Maharani temple. The grand celebration witnessed considerable public participation, with the riverbank illuminated by thousands of lamps. On the occasion, CM Choudhary offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for the prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people of Bihar. He said that Diwali symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood and extended festive greetings to the people of the state. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that construction of an 83-km-long Marine Drive connecting Munger and Bhagalpur would begin within the next two months. He added that soil erosion caused by the Ganga had been damaging agricultural land and crops, affecting farmers in several areas. The proposed Marine Drive is expected to contribute to regional development while addressing some of the challenges faced by the riverbank areas. Referring to the problems associated with the Farakka Barrage and the accumulation of silt in the Ganga, Chief Minister Choudhary said efforts were underway to find a lasting solution. He added that an agreement was reached with the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on November 2 to utilise silt removed from the Ganga in Bihar for road construction projects. The Chief Minister also said that instructions had been issued to develop arrangements for channelising Ganga water to dams across the state. Highlighting the state government's industrial development agenda, CM Choudhary said efforts were being made to establish industries through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to generate employment opportunities for Bihar's youth within the state. He said his priority was to ensure that young people could find employment in their home state rather than migrate elsewhere in search of a livelihood. Describing himself as a son of Munger, Samrat Choudhary said that he was serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar. He also thanked the people of Munger district and the Bhagalpur division for their support in the elections.
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Diwali rush: No seats, packed trains as thousands leave Gurugram for home
A massive rush of people heading home for Diwali led to severe overcrowding at Gurugram's railway and metro stations on Saturday, with packed trains, long queues at bus terminals and many passengers turning to informal transport to reach their destinations. Trains bound for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal were so overcrowded that there was no standing room available, according to an official. Passengers faced significant challenges boarding the general compartments, with many even squeezing into sleeper coaches. In their desperation to get home, some passengers resorted to travelling while hanging onto the carriage doors. The situation sometimes escalated to physical altercations among passengers, the official added. Throughout the day, teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force conducted security checks on the platforms and worked to manage the crowds. Four trains passed through Gurugram on Saturday, heading toward Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, an
Delhi Chawri Bazar Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises To Six
New Delhi: The death toll in the Chawri Bazar building collapse in Old Delhi rose to Six on Saturday after rescue teams recovered another victims body from beneath the debris. The latest victim was identified as 40-year-old Pankaj Sharma, a resident of Hanuman Nagar village in Bihars Khagaria district. The other two deceased have been []
Bihar: Two held in East Champaran for cyber fraud linked to Pakistan
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Bihar Police have arrested two men in East Champaran district for allegedly operating a cyber fraud network linked to Pakistani nationals and facilitating suspicious financial transactions through Indian bank accounts and QR codes. The arrests were made during simultaneous raids at two rented houses in the Belisarai area late Saturday. Police recovered two Android mobile phones and five ATM cards from the accused. Digital evidence, including Pakistani WhatsApp numbers, suspicious conversations and financial transaction records, was also found on their mobile phones. Superintendent of Police (SP) Swarn Prabhat on Saturday said a special police team led by Sadar SDPO-1 Dilip Kumar conducted the raids around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday following a tip-off. According to preliminary investigations, the accused were allegedly in contact with Pakistani nationals and were operating under their instructions. They reportedly received money into Indian bank accounts through QR codes and subsequently transferred the funds to other accounts. During the examination of their mobile phones, police discovered WhatsApp numbers linked to Pakistan and suspicious conversations indicating their alleged involvement in the financial network. The accused have been identified as Pankaj Gupta, a resident of Semmuapur under Dumariyaghat police station, and Raju Kushwaha alias Raju Kumar Bhagat (22), a resident of Shyampur Barwa under Sangrampur police station. Both were staying in rented accommodation in Belisarai. Police recovered five ATM cards, including three issued by Federal Bank, one by IDFC First Bank and one by Bank of India. The cards were registered in the names of Raju Kumar and Raju Kumar Bhagat. Investigators suspect that the bank accounts were being used to receive and withdraw money generated through cyber fraud before transferring it elsewhere. The seized mobile phones and ATM cards have been sent for further examination. Police are also analysing the bank accounts, transaction records and digital communications to establish the scale of the suspected operation. The investigation is focused on identifying the Pakistani contacts, tracing the financial transactions, determining the total amount routed through the accounts and establishing whether the network had connections across multiple states. Police are also examining the possible involvement of other individuals in the racket. The raiding team included Sadar DSP-1 Dilip Kumar, Inspector Rajiv Ranjan, Sub-Inspectors K.V. Hanumanta, Santosh Kumar and Satish Kumar, along with Jamadar Bhim Yadav, female constable Putul Kumari and other police personnel. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete network and identify its alleged masterminds.
Diwali rush: Over 8.20 lakh passengers travel in six days; Western Railway runs 73 special trains
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (IANS) More than 8.20 lakh passengers travelled from stations under the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway in the first six days of November, prompting the railway administration to deploy additional staff, set up holding areas and operate 73 special train trips to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Between November 1 and 6, the division recorded 4.55 lakh passengers travelling on unreserved tickets and 3.65 lakh on reserved tickets. Ahmedabad Railway Station accounted for more than 3.20 lakh passengers, followed by Sabarmati with 1.30 lakh and Asarwa with around 50,000. Together, the three stations handled more than five lakh passengers during the six days. To meet the additional demand, Western Railway is operating 73 special train trips from the Ahmedabad Division during November to destinations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other states. The services are being operated from Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Asarwa, Bhuj and Gandhidham, connecting passengers to cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Mumbai, Prayagraj, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Barauni, Rajgir, Jaipur, Haridwar and Bhagalpur. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash visited Ahmedabad Railway Station late at night and remained there with railway officials to oversee arrangements for passengers travelling during the festive season. He inspected the holding areas and other facilities and interacted with passengers heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to enquire about their travel experience. He also extended Chhath Puja greetings and appealed to them to board trains in an orderly manner. Passengers raised slogans of 'Chhath Maiya Ki Jai' alongside the DRM and appreciated the arrangements. They said that after waiting for some time, they were allowed to board trains in an organised manner, allowing them to proceed towards their hometowns. Special holding areas have been set up at Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations to prevent overcrowding on platforms. Seating, drinking water, lighting and fans have been provided at these locations for passengers waiting for their trains. The division has also arranged food packets, water bottles, chips and biscuits for general-class passengers. Voluntary organisations and NGOs are assisting in distributing food and drinking water. Additional cleaning staff have been deployed, while water coolers and other drinking water facilities are being monitored regularly. For security and crowd management, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel, ticket-checking staff and other railway employees have been deployed. CCTV cameras are being used to monitor station premises, platforms and crowded areas. Particular attention is being paid to regulating passenger movement at entry and exit gates, foot overbridges and platforms. A dedicated war room has also been set up in the control building at the DRM's office to monitor passenger movement and train operations round the clock. During his inspection, Prakash reviewed CCTV surveillance, real-time crowd management, passenger movement on platforms, holding areas and queue-based boarding arrangements. He directed officials to coordinate immediately through the war room and take necessary action in the event of excessive crowding or passenger inconvenience at any station. Information about special train services, schedules and passenger facilities is being disseminated through electronic display boards, public announcement systems and social media. Train operations and punctuality are also being monitored regularly. The division has appealed to passengers to follow railway guidelines, maintain discipline on station premises and reach stations sufficiently ahead of their scheduled train departure times.
Delhi: Six dead in Hauz Qazi building collapse; three contractors arrested
The death toll in the building collapse incident in Delhi's Chawri Bazar area has risen to six, with all the deceased identified, officials said on Saturday. The six deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu and Dinesh Sah, according to the latest update issued during the ongoing rescue operations at the collapse site, according to the police. Five of the deceased hailed from Bihar, while Vipin Ram was a resident of Saket Block in Mandawali, Fazilpur, Delhi. On Thursday, the three-storey under-construction building collapsed at Gali Sheesh Mahal, Gali Shehatara, near Ajmeri Gate, in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar area at around 10:30 am. Three contractors have been arrested in connection with the collapse of an under-construction building in Delhi's Chawri Bazar area, which claimed two lives, as rescue operations continued on Friday to locate people feared trapped beneath the debris, Delhi Police said. The arrested contractors have been ide...
CM Samrat Choudhary also asked to ensure special cleanliness drives, security measures, and 24-hour patrolling at railway stations, bus stands, and Chhath ghats
Car-tanker collision kills man, daughter in Buxar
Buxar administration asks officials to take steps for easing traffic congestion
Ancient idols stolen from Saran temple
'Poor Biharis don't know anything': Cong's Rajendra Pal Gautam hits back at BJP chief Nabin
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Congress In-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin, alleging that he was merely reading out a script handed to him and remarking that poor Biharis don't know anything. Gautam's remarks came after Nabin, in an exclusive interview with IANS, accused Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, of being used as an instrument to destabilise the country and create unrest, alleging that the Congress leader was acting as part of a foreign toolkit. Speaking to IANS, Gautam said, These poor Biharis do not know anything. They simply read out the scripts handed to them. Taking his criticism further, the Congress leader accused BJP leaders of being incapable of acting independently and levelled allegations against them over the handling of religious offerings made in the name of Lord Ram. They (BJP leaders) are incapable of doing anything on their own. They are people who steal offerings. They have betrayed people's faith. They came to power in the name of Lord Ram and then stole offerings made in his name. So, whose interests do they serve? We do not take them seriously, Gautam said. Earlier, Nitin Nabin referred to remarks made by a Congress Minister, who had claimed that LoP Rahul Gandhi had complete control over the emote button and could mobilise 40 lakh people to create anarchy in the country whenever he wanted. You saw how a Congress Minister said that Rahul Gandhi has complete control over the remote button and that, whenever he wants, 40 lakh people are ready to create anarchy in the country. I believe this clearly confirms what we have been saying from the beginning -- that Rahul Gandhi is being used as a toolkit to destabilise the country and create anarchy, Nabin said. The BJP President also alleged that LoP Gandhi did not understand the strength of India's democratic institutions and traditions. Rahul Gandhi does not have a clue that our country is a lot different from other nations. The democratic roots of this nation are strong, he said. If people with such nefarious mindsets, or those who have become instruments of foreign toolkits, think that they can destabilise India or spread chaos, they are mistaken, Nabin added. The democracy of this nation knows how to respond to individuals with such anarchic and Maoist-leaning mindsets. Rahul Gandhi might have tried to spread anarchy, but this country will give a fitting response to it, he said.
Missing Constable Found Dead In Bihar River
A police constable, Dhaneshwar, who went missing two days prior during a confrontation with suspected drug smugglers in Jehanabad, Bihar, was found dead in the Dardha river. His service pistol, mobile phone, ring, and wallet were recovered intact with his body, and the exact cause of death awaits post-mortem results.
Crackdown on 352 Bihar B.Ed Colleges: NCTE Annual PAR Mandatory
Bihar 125 Free Power Opt-Out: Discoms Must Overhaul Billing Software
Ahead of Diwali, air pollution rises to hazardous levels in Bihar; Buxar records AQI of 441
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Diwali celebrations have triggered a sharp deterioration in air quality across Bihar, with firecracker emissions pushing pollution levels to alarming proportions in several cities. Buxar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 441, placing it in the extremely poor range and posing serious health risks to residents. Continuous bursting of firecrackers during the festival of lights has released large quantities of smoke and harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere, further worsening the already critical pollution situation across the state. According to available air quality data, several major cities in Bihar recorded dangerously high AQI levels. Bettiah registered an AQI of 364, Motihari 357, Sasaram 326, Siwan 326 and Muzaffarpur 325. Other cities also reported elevated pollution levels, with Darbhanga recording an AQI of 300, Samastipur 289, Bhagalpur 268 and the state capital, Patna, 248. The readings indicate widespread deterioration in air quality during Diwali celebrations. However, AQI figures may vary depending on the monitoring platform and the time of measurement. In Patna, residents are facing considerable discomfort due to the combination of existing pollution and additional smoke generated by firecrackers. The situation is particularly concerning for people suffering from respiratory ailments, asthma and other health conditions. Apart from deteriorating air quality, firecracker explosions have also contributed to noise pollution, with high-decibel sounds causing discomfort to elderly people, children and those suffering from various health problems. Environmental expert Raj Kumar Jha said parents should take responsibility for discouraging children from bursting firecrackers and exposing themselves to polluted air for extended periods. Children learn from the environment they experience at home. Parents should discourage them from spending long hours outdoors bursting firecrackers. No matter how much effort the government makes, pollution cannot be controlled without public cooperation, Jha said. He also questioned the effectiveness of the administration's pollution-control measures, particularly the practice of sprinkling water on roads in selected areas. Spraying water on roads and focusing only on a few VIP areas will not solve the problem. There is an urgent need to address pollution, garbage, contaminated water and open drains in localities such as Saristabad and Gardanibagh, he said. He stressed that pollution control requires sustained efforts rather than temporary measures undertaken during festivals. The sharp rise in pollution levels has once again highlighted the need for greater public awareness and collective responsibility. With air pollution emerging as a serious public health concern across Bihar, the challenge now lies in balancing festive celebrations with environmental protection and the right of citizens to breathe clean air.
BPBCC Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026
Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation (BPBCC) has released Notification No. HQ 3783 for the recruitment of 18 Junior Engineer (Civil) posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 25 November 2026. Further details are available at bpbcc.bihar.gov.in.
BRS' Sunder Raj Yadav welcomes Bihar
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Sunder Raj Yadav on Saturday welcomed the Bihar Education Department
Chawri Bazar building collapse: Death toll rises to 3 as another body found
The toll in the three-storey building collapse in Old Delhi's Hauz Qazi area rose to three on Saturday after the body of another labourer was recovered from the debris during the ongoing rescue operations, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Sharma (40), a resident of Hanuman Nagar village in Bihar's Khagaria district, they said. After nearly 48 hours of operation at the site, five people have been pulled out of the debris -- three dead and two injured persons. Both injured persons have received medical treatment and are stable. The building under construction collapsed in Gali Sitara near Chawri Bazar Metro station around 9.45 am on Thursday. The operation to find more people and clear the rubble continued at the site. Around 10 to 15 labourers were present at the construction site when the three-storey structure came crashing down, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh had said. Earlier, two labourers, identified as Kishori (40) and .
Youth found dead in Jammus Miran Sahib
Jammu, Nov 07: A 23-year-old youth was found dead inside his rented room in the Miran Sahib area of Jammu district on Saturday morning, officials said. An official said that the youth was found dead inside his rented accommodation in Miran Sahib, Jammu. He was immediately shifted to Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Chander (23), a native of Bihar who was residing in Jammu. Meanwhile, cognizance of the incident has been taken up.(KNO)
One more body recovered from Delhi building collapse site, death toll rises to three
The death toll in the Delhi Chawri Bazar building collapse rose to 3 on Saturday after rescue workers recovered the mortal remains of another victim from the debris, police said. The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Pankaj Sharma, a resident of Village Hanuman Nagar in Bihar's Khagaria district. With this latest recovery, a total of five individuals have been accounted for from the collapse site, comprising three fatalities and two injured persons. The other two deceased have been identified as Kishori, aged 40, and Sanjeet, aged 45. Both injured persons have received medical treatment and are now stable. Further rescue operations are still underway at the site, according to Delhi Police. The three-storey under-construction building collapsed at Gali Sheesh Mahal, Gali Shehatara, near Ajmeri Gate, in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar area at around 10:30 am on Thursday. Two people were killed, and five others sustained injuries in the incident. Three contractors have been arrested in...
Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma to play SMAT, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Bihar captain
Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami have been named in Delhi and Bengal squads, respectively, for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled to begin on November 14. On the other hand, young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi...
BPSC 71st Combined Main Examination Results Announced
The Bihar Public Service Commission has released the results for the 71st Combined Main Examination, with 3,392 candidates qualifying for the next interview stage. Candidates can download their results from the official BPSC website. The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to access the results and encourages candidates to stay updated on interview dates. Congratulations to all successful candidates!
Mumbai: KBC Season 8 contestant arrested for alleged jewellery theft in Kandivli
A 42-year-old computer science graduate from Bihar, who once appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 8, was arrested by Mumbai's Kandivli police for allegedly stealing a gold chain worth Rs 5 lakh. Police said business losses and mounting debt allegedly drove him to target jewellery shops
Maldivian President Pushes for Revival of SAARC
The President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, made another call for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) during his visit to Pakistan on October 21, 2026. Bangladesh, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has also called for the revival of SAARC. The idea has received support from experts and public intellectuals concerned about the welfare of people living in the region. The Government of India responded to these remarks by stating that Pakistan was stymieing the grouping. The Promotion of BIMSTEC as an alternative to SAARC is an exercise in diplomatic shortsightedness. Equally shortsighted is the idea of reviving SAARC without India. Countries in the region have little to lose but much to gain if the SAARC platform is revived. The 19th SAARC Summit was scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad from November 15 to 19, 2016, but was indefinitely postponed amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. On the positive side, however, relations between India and Pakistan have not completely broken down on all fronts. Indias External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, visited Pakistan on October 1516, 2024, to attend the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and thanked Pakistan for its hospitality. India also participated in the planning session of the SCO Council of National Coordinators in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, 2026.The two countries completed their 35th consecutive exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, 2026. The hotlines between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) remain active, and the ceasefire is also holding. Furthermore, the statement made by RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale on improving people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan was a welcome development. Many experts consider the RSS as Indias deeper state, influencing relations with Pakistan. Be that as it may, three immediate factors have a bearing on the revival of SAARC. Weighing Three Factors First, the dominant view in India is that containing terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the magic bullet for rescuing bilateral relations and bringing them back to normalcy. Diplomat Ajay Bisaria argues that Indias instincts were primarily economic, and Indias relationship with its neighbours was focused on providing security for the Indian economy to grow and preserving the economic gains already made. This is quite understandable and reasonable for any major economy but is not exclusive to India. This instinct is now fairly widespread across the countries of the region. There is a growing consensus that terrorism poses a threat to the social and economic stability of countries and that SAARC, as a regional forum, can be employed to combat it. According to the think tank PISCES, Pakistan alone witnessed 225 militant attacks in a single year up to September 2026. Therefore, the way forward lies in greater cooperation among states and a deeper process of introspection within societies. Second, the China factor is also influencing the prospects for the growth and revival of SAARC. China enjoys observer status in SAARC, while India has opposed its full membership of the organisation. Indias unilateral military actions have prompted Pakistan to seek even greater strategic proximity to China, particularly through the acquisition of Chinese military equipment and technology. The clashes between India and Pakistan in May laid bare the consequences of this policy. One consequence of such a scenario is that Indias strategic autonomy in the region is constrained, resulting in the ceding of strategic space to China. There are indications that Pakistan is signalling to both the United States and China that it no longer wishes to be a client state. In 2022, Pakistan released its first-ever National Security Policy, which emphasised that the country should resist joining geopolitical camps. The weakening of the pro-India lobby in Pakistan is also a matter of concern. Third, there are sections of opinion in Pakistan that believe India will always prefer to engage with a weak Pakistan rather than the Pakistan that exists today. Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit recently claimed at a seminar in Pakistan that the countrys international profile had risen and that India would therefore prefer disengagement. Some India watchers in Pakistan also point to unilateralism in Indias domestic and regional politics, along with its alleged disregard for international norms and agreements, as factors contributing to growing mistrust. In light of the above discussion, it is important to examine the perspectives of the scholarly community on the challenges confronting South Asia. Scholars Speak Friend and colleague, Happymon Jacob, who has considerable expertise in Indian foreign policy, argues in his essay, The End of South Asia: A Region in Name Only, published in Foreign Affairs on July 22, 2024, that the dream of South Asia as a cohesive region is over, with significant implications for subcontinental geopolitics that policymakers and analysts have yet to fully grasp. He writes that the reality of Indias centrality has meant that New Delhi does not always recognise the value of building regional structures, as such structures cannot add much to the predominance India already enjoys in the region. Although several Indian Prime Ministers have recognised the merits of SAARC, the Indian bureaucracy and strategic establishment have never been fully convinced of its value. They have long feared that the creation of regional structures could potentially constrain Indias dominance in its neighbourhood. Nepal-based scholar Kanak Mani Dixit, finds Jacobs thesis problematic for more than one reason. He believes that Jacobs pronouncement on the death of South Asia appears to serve the interests of nation-statism, which cannot adequately manage the vast geography and multiplicity of identities that characterise South Asia. Mr Dixit further argues that Jacobs views will please those who wish to exercise centralised authority, ranging from generals in Islamabad to autocratic politicians in Kabul and Colombo, as well as dominant lobbies in New Delhi. True South Asian regionalism has not evolved to a point where the nation-state can function to the satisfaction of the people living in the region. However, we are yet to find an effective institutional mechanism to address inter-state disputes. It would therefore be incorrect to argue that regionalism in South Asia can begin or end with SAARC. The two need to be differentiated. The late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs longing for a day when he could have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul remains a compelling vision and is not beyond achievement. The precondition for realising this vision is that peoples power must be unleashed and mobilised in the service of humane regionalism in South Asia. The corporate sector, too, is not averse to such thinking. At one-point, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee nominated R.K. Mishra, a former journalist and a close associate of Dhirubhai Ambani, who headed the Reliance conglomerate. Reliance had an additional stake in India-Pakistan peace, as it had invested in a refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, close to the Pakistan border. Against this backdrop, it needs to be emphasised that the absence of a regional platform and the growing hesitation among SAARC countries to engage with one another have created a vacuum. This vacuum is increasingly being filled by religious radicalism and internal insecurity across the region. The road ahead remains uncertain. The Road Ahead First, without mutual accommodation between India and Pakistan, the revival of SAARC is inconceivable. Pakistan cannot be dismissed as a strategic entity. All major powers, including the United States, China, Russia and Turkey, engage with Pakistan, even when India chooses to remain disengaged. Foreign policy expert Kanti Bajpai believes that Pakistan is strategically attractive for three reasons: its location, its power and its capacity to disrupt. With approximately half a million personnel in uniform and roughly 200 nuclear warheads, Pakistan remains Indias strategic competitor. It reportedly possesses more nuclear warheads than India. By 2050, Pakistan is projected to become the worlds third-most populous country, after China and India. There is no way to peace but peace is the way. Second, by keeping SAARC in limbo, India risks pushing even Bangladesh towards a more adversarial regional posture. To borrow the expression of Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh risks becoming another Pakistan on Indias eastern front. Indias former Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, recently observed that there could be a convergence of interests among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladeshs Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has called for a Bangladesh First policy to guide his government. He has not visited India despite an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister. Bangladesh is also reportedly reviewing around 101 bilateral agreements with India. Finally, we, the people of Junoobi Asia (South Asia), need to think about the future generations who will inhabit this part of the world. India, as a major regional power, can offer ideas and solutions to the challenges confronting the region. Genuine regional leadership demands the capacity to generate ideas, build consensus and deliver tangible solutions. By adopting such an approach, India can enhance its regional influence and strengthen its position as a responsible regional power. During recent India-Pakistan Track II meetings, the dangers posed by climate change got focussed attention. Climate change can severely degrade critical sectors, including water and electricity, transportation networks and supply chains. South Asia can draw lessons from the legally binding ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response which is founded on cooperation and mutual trust. A similar framework could serve South Asia well, provided that the sovereignty of individual SAARC members is respected. The revival of SAARC is the way forward. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
CM asks officials to release salaries before Diwali
In a landmark domestic cricket update, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed as Bihars captain for their opening two matches of the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. Sooryavanshi will lead the state side in Indore against Saurashtra on 14 November and Railways on 16 November. The decision comes after regular skipper [] The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Bihar Captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Opener; Nitish Rana Dropped from Delhi Squad appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Bihar captain at 15 for Mushtaq Ali Trophy
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Minister says Nitish revered as ishwar in Bihars rural households
3,392 clear BPSC 71st mains, qualify for interview
